The 2022 KIA K5 showcases significant concerns regarding its reliability, evidenced by multiple recalls and a notable volume of complaints. With average failure mileage peaking between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, early attention to the fuel system and steering assist issues is advisable.
Key Factor:Multiple recalls reported
⚠️
Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (5) than the average KIA vehicle (1.9). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
5 recalls for this vehicle1.9 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
The presence of five recalls pertaining to critical components such as the fuel system and power train indicates that potential safety risks may be present for drivers. Specifically, the fuel system issues could lead to leaks, presenting both operational hazards and environmental risks. Additionally, problems with the lane departure steering assist compromise vehicle handling, which is particularly alarming when considering this model's intended use as a family sedan. Buyers should be aware that these defects can lead to costly repairs and impact overall vehicle reliability.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊
Expert Analysis
📈
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
⚠️
Primary Risk Area:Warning
⚖️
Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.9)
📝
Summary: The year-over-year safety trend for the K5 model indicates a worrying pattern with higher-than-expected recall rates. Compared to other vehicles in its class manufactured during this timeframe, the K5's reliability is below par, highlighting significant risks that may affect driver confidence.
Safety & Reliability Score
50/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-4.9
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2022 KIA K5
Model Year2022
MakeKIA
ModelK5
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Jun21
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan22
NEWProduction
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jul23
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
⚠️
Most Reported Issue
29 complaints (30% of total)
➡️
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
✅
Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 98 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
17(17%)
🟡Medium
26(27%)
🟢Low
55(56%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
The peak failure range of 20k-40k miles suggests that owners should be vigilant for signs of issues within the first few years of ownership. This timeframe often aligns with warranty periods where manufacturers may address problems; thus, being proactive can mitigate further complications later on.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 27 of 98 complaints (28% coverage)
0-20k
6 reports (22%)
20k-40k
9 reports (33%)
40k-60k
2 reports (7%)
60k-80k
5 reports (19%)
80k-100k
4 reports (15%)
100k+
1 reports (4%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Fuel System
Issue: Potential fuel leaks at pipe connections impacting engine performance.
✅
Seek immediate inspection for fuel line integrity if nearing or past 20k miles.
🔍
Inquire about any service history related to the fuel system before purchase.
Campaigns:21V48000021V481000
2
Lane Departure Assistance
Issue: Steering assist failures could lead to loss of control during critical driving maneuvers.
✅
Consider having lane assistance features tested for functionality regularly.
🔍
Request confirmation on whether steering systems have been inspected or repaired before buying.
Campaign:21V481001
3
Power Train
Issue: "Fail-safe" mode impairment leading to total loss of drive power under specific conditions.
✅
'monitor transmission performance closely after reaching higher mileage thresholds.
🔍
'Ensure transmission checks are performed thoroughly prior to finalizing a purchase.'
Campaign:22V034000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (5)
Campaign: 21V519000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
▼
Summary
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Consequence
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V447000
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
▼
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults. If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist (LFA) engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in the steering effort required.
Consequence
A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V760000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
▼
Summary
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Consequence
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V149000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
▼
Summary
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
Consequence
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC263.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V794000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
▼
Summary
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
Consequence
A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2022 K5.
INV-2022-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding K5 performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 9,462
Consumer Complaints
98 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2022 K5.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning30%
Acceleration Issues14%
Check Engine Light10%
Accident8%
Fire7%
Smell7%
Jerk5%
Noise5%
Stall5%
Shake5%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle is subject to an unrepaired safety recall involving the fuel system. According to the manufacturer’s recall notice, a damaged check valve may allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing the tank to expand and contact hot exhaust components. This can melt the fuel tank, cause fuel leakage, and increase the risk of a vehicle fire. This vehicle has experienced multiple fuel-system-related recalls, and this recall is currently listed as incomplete with no remedy available. The manufacturer has not provided a repair timeline, and owner notification and repair availability are delayed. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers because I am required to continue driving a vehicle that the manufacturer acknowledges poses a fire risk and cannot currently be repaired.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact experienced the failure, causing the check engine warning light to remain illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the check valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while the AC was activated, one vent was blowing hot air while the other vent was blowing cold air. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When engine is Idling the cabin immediately starts to smell completely like gasoline. This happens whether the A/C system is on or not. It’s so strong sometimes that I have to put my window down to release the fumes.
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2022 Kia K5 EX has a serious fuel-system safety defect involving fuel tank expansion, which caused rear seat pan deformation and rear seat strap deformation. Kia America’s engineering review confirmed this in their findings. The fuel tank expansion caused the rear seat to lift/warp from underneath, creating a risk of fuel leakage, fire, and structural failure in a crash. This is a significant safety concern for occupants and the public. Kia America acknowledged this safety defect in a letter dated October 15, 2025 and stated it is “consistent with the fuel tank expansion condition.” They offered to repurchase the vehicle due to this safety issue. (Letter attached.) Because of this defect, my vehicle has been out of service for 78 days and is not safe to drive. I use this vehicle as my primary source of income for full-time rideshare work, which has caused severe loss of income. Due to the extended loss of use and financial hardship, I am now at risk of repossession, even though the vehicle is unsafe because of a manufacturer-confirmed defect. Despite Kia acknowledging the defect, no recall has been issued, which raises concern that other drivers may still be using potentially unsafe vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this defect for potential recall action.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV), resulting in damage and fuel tank expansion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Campaign: SC288. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was offered a buyback, but refused the buyback. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving my 2022 Kia K5 LXS, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost acceleration. The check-engine light came on, showing code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). The issue caused unsafe driving conditions, especially with my child in the car. Kia Roseville incorrectly documented the repair, while Kia Folsom later confirmed the issue was engine-related. The vehicle has also been subject to fuel tank expansion concerns under recalls SC288 and SC288A, which can create additional fire risk and pressure issues. Despite repairs, I still experience safety fears and severe loss of vehicle value due to these recurring defects and poor documentation. Kia America has not provided a resolution.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #22V760000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
I noticed my car jerking from a stopped position a few months back it wasn’t consistent but it happened I figured it was just a powerful motor however last on October 7th I was driving down the street to go to the dealership and my car lost power I had to pull over my son was panicking he’s just little and I sat there and luckily it started after a few minutes and I went to the dealership and they blew me off saying it has electrical issues. WELL I went to Oreillys and they tested my battery it was good but only getting 10 % charge to it which he said was odd so he said to try and drive it some and come back he wlll see where it’s at. I did that and he said oh wow you’re back up to 100%! Well that was the 7th now last night I’m driving around Tallmadge ave and BOOM everything lit up I lost power steering my lights shut off completely and it was close to midnight! It was insane I am luckily a very good driver because I almost went right off the road!
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #22V760000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the highway under normal weather conditions and at the speed limit at approx 50 MPH a loud explosion like a gun shot was heard through the car. The sound of broken glass and wind could be heard; however, there was no collision or object that struck the vehicle in any way. Glass began dropping through the sun shade area and upon pulling over and further inspection the sunroof appears to have exploded outward as all the glass was bent in an upward direction. The vehicle is currently awaiting assessment at the dealership. There was no warning of any kind. It was just a spontaneous explosion. It is my understanding that this has been a problem in some vehicles and many different manufacturers and other companies have recalled their cars however Kia has not.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
the fuel tank on my car expanded a few hours after inspection was taken place. The dealership stated my car was completely unsafe to drive and would not let me leave with it. My daughter was in the backseat when it happened, but she is safe and so am i
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear seat started to rise independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband was sitting on the rear seat. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred after the vehicle was refueled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the repair had taken three weeks. The vehicle was returned to the contact. The contact stated that two weeks later, the manufacturer began sending emails to the contact, which stated that the vehicle was under recall. The contact was advised to park and not drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer for two additional months. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was non-repairable. The contact had not received an offer for a replacement vehicle and the contact was still required to continue monthly payments. In addition, the contact was concerned because her husband had been driving an unsafe vehicle for two weeks after the repair was performed by the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common problems reported in the 2022 KIA K5?'
'Common issues include multiple recalls primarily focusing on the fuel system and lane departure assistance features. Owners have reported malfunctioning steering systems that could compromise vehicle handling and safety.'
'How reliable is the 2022 KIA K5 compared to competitors?'
The reliability of the 2022 KIA K5 has come under scrutiny due to its relatively high number of recalls compared to similar vehicles in its segment. This raises concerns about its long-term durability and safety.
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2022 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
🔑
If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 5 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your KIA dealer.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in KIA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒
If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every KIA recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later K5 iterations (2023+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a KIA specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.